Economic Analysis and Profitability of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Cultivation in the Alluvial Plains of Prayagraj District, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

This study examines the economic feasibility of guava farming in the alluvial plains of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, utilizing an extensive cost and return analysis derived from primary data collected from 50 guava producers found through a multi-stage sampling technique. Traditional cost concepts (A1 to C3) were utilized to assess different cost components, revealing that the average cultivation cost per hectare amounted to ₹1,27,662.28. Guava production produced an average gross return of ₹1,68,764.65 per hectare and a net income of ₹52,708.04, resulting in a benefit-cost ratio of 1.45, underscoring the significant profitability of guava in local agricultural conditions. Significant spending categories encompassed machinery and contracted labour expenditures, although input expenses for fertilizers, irrigation, and pest control were comparatively minimal. The analysis revealed that guava cultivation provided consistent profitability for marginal, small, and medium-sized farms, establishing guava as a cost-efficient, high-yield horticultural crop appropriate for farm diversification and sustained rural income. The results underscore the necessity of focused policy assistance to fortify the value chain, promote fruit-centric agricultural diversification, and improve rural livelihoods, positioning guava cultivation as a strategic option for agricultural advancement and sustainable income generation in analogous agro-climatic areas.